The vision for Greyfriars Green sets out to AMP Northampton - to amplify nature, creativity, play, living and linkages in this intriguing place.
The project draws on Northampton's rich spirit and history of learning and education, reimagining Greyfriars as a new campus-like setting, complementing the nearby University of Northampton. Our vision seamlessly integrates the town’s identity while addressing pressing needs like student housing and affordable workspaces.
Strategy
Greyfriars Green is an ambitious £350 million initiative transforming a 7-hectare brownfield site into a dynamic mixed-use urban environment. It will enhance community living, economic viability, and public infrastructure while fostering a vibrant town centre.
A central park, Greyfriars Green, forms the site’s heart, offering an inviting amphitheater that redefines the space and fosters community interaction. Early on we advocated for the inclusion of two key existing structures, the Corn Exchange and Belgrave House, which are now pivotal to anchoring the site early. Belgrave House is envisioned as a hub for Northampton’s renowned boot and shoe industry, complemented by co-working and maker spaces, while the Corn Exchange will house cultural and performance venues.
The mixed-use masterplan integrates diverse housing typologies, from 900 student beds to later-living flats, rental and for-sale apartments, and co-operative affordable housing, creating a multi-generational and inclusive community.
Greyfriars Green strengthens connections to the neighboring Market Square and supports local creative industries, educational institutions, and SMEs with affordable workspaces and arts/entertainment venues.
Sustainability
The Greyfriars masterplan represents a transformative opportunity to regenerate Northampton’s town centre while setting a benchmark in social and environmental sustainability.
A sustainability-first approach underpins every aspect of the project, key principles of identifying opportunities for the retention and repurposing of existing redundant areas, transforming them into vibrant spaces for cultural and community uses. The project embraces circular economy principles, both by reusing existing materials and planning for future circular reuse, ensuring minimal waste and maximum resource efficiency.
The adoption of low-carbon materials and products will create environmentally responsible and sustainable neighborhoods. Measures to improve air quality will be implemented, alongside extensive provision for electric vehicle charging points to support greener transportation options. The exploration and integration of low and zero-carbon technologies will further reduce the development’s environmental impact.
The social impact of Greyfriars will be transformative. By fostering a mixed-use, multi-generational community, the development reconnects residents with their town’s cultural and historical identity. The masterplan provides diverse housing options, cultural venues, and community spaces, promoting inclusivity and social cohesion. Vibrant public spaces and cultural hubs, such as the revitalized Corn Exchange and Belgrave House, will enhance community pride and create opportunities for economic growth by attracting visitors and businesses.
Greyfriars is designed not just as a place to live and work but as a symbol of resilience, unity, and hope for future generations. It will reignite Northampton’s spirit, restore the community’s heartbeat, and foster environmental, social, and economic wellbeing for decades to come.
Community engagement
To capture Northampton’s spirit, we crafted an inclusive, multi-channel engagement strategy reaching residents from every corner of the community. At the heart of our approach was a bespoke digital platform, ampnorthampton.com, which offered an interactive experience where users could explore designs, leave feedback, and stay connected with the project’s progress.
This digital-first initiative achieved significant engagement, including over 2,500 survey responses, more than 6,000 individual comments, 12,000 website sessions, and 20,000 page views from nearly 10,000 unique users. We also facilitated 601 hours of online consultations, equivalent to 15 full days of in-person events, increasing both the depth and reach of community input.
To ensure inclusivity, we complemented digital efforts with in-person and offline initiatives. A public showcase at the Grosvenor Shopping Centre attracted 680 visitors, offering an immersive experience with 3D models, artist impressions, and interactive displays. We also broadened access through press releases, an SMS text campaign, a freephone consultation line, and mailed paper surveys, reaching those without reliable internet access. This comprehensive strategy ensured the Greyfriars redevelopment reflected the diverse needs and perspectives of the entire community.
In our commitment to community engagement, we meticulously reviewed thousands of comments from the residents of Northampton. Residents’ voices and insights have played a pivotal role in shaping the vision for the Greyfriars development. Through this collective effort, we have actively listened to the concerns, ideas, and suggestions, leading to adjustments in the masterplan that align more closely with the shared aspirations of the community.
Awards
